Pronounced: SIS-tuh-seal/REK-tuh-seal
A cystocele occurs when part of the bladder wall bulges into the vagina. The bulge happens through a defect in the fascia. This is the connective tissue that separates the vagina from the bladder.
There are three grades of cystocele:
A rectocele occurs when part of the wall of the rectum bulges into the vagina. The bulge happens through a defect in the fascia between the rectum and vagina.
The sooner that cystocele or rectocele are treated, the more favorable the outcome. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor.
The walls between the vagina and bladder or rectum can be damaged by one or more of the following factors:
Many cases are mild and do not have symptoms.
In more serious cases, the symptoms of cystocele include:
Symptoms of rectocele include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to cystocele or rectocele. These symptoms may be caused by other, less or more serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests for cystocele may include the following:
Tests for rectocele may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. For the mildest cases of cystocele and rectocele, no treatment is needed. For more serious cases, treatment options include the following:
A pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina. It can provide support to keep the bladder and/or rectum in place.
Adding estrogen may help strengthen the walls of the vagina after menopause . It may be delivered in the form of pills, creams, or patches.
For severe cases, surgery may be needed to move the bladder or rectum back into place.
If you are diagnosed with cystocele or rectocele, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
http://www.fascrs.org/
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/
Society of Gynecologic Surgeons
http://www.sgsonline.org/
UrologyHealth.org
http://www.urologyhealth.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References:
Cystocele. University of Michigan Health System website. Available at: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_cystocel_crs.htm . Accessed September 22, 2005.
Cystocele (fallen bladder). National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cystocele . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Cystocoele, rectocoele, and pelvic support surgery. Society of Gynecologic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.sgsonline.org/edpro002.html . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Rectocele. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.fascrs.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=19 . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Rectocele. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic. com/invoke.cfm?id=AN00529 . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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